Formula for Determining the Maximum Peak SPL of a Speaker

In order to determine the maximum peak Sound Pressure Level (SPL) of a speaker you will need to know the sensitivity of the speaker measured at 1W/1M, and the peak rating of the speaker. Given these specifictaions the following formula can be used to determine the maximum peak SPL:

ndB= 10 x log (P1 divided by P2)

Where

P1= Peak rating in watts P2= Rating in watts at which sensitivity is specified. (Usually 1W)

This number should then be added to the Sensitivity rating to determine the maximun peak SPL.

EXAMPLE: A SW118IV has a sensitivity rating of 96 dB measured at 1W/1M, and a peak rating of 1000W.

By adding this number (30 dB) to the sensitivity (96 dB) we find that the maximum peak SPL of the SW118IV is 126 dB.

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